by Brian Bennett
Dr. Andy Wood recently completed a book, LifeVesting, that “empowers readers to create an abundant, impactful future by the choices they make today.” CCNI interviewed Dr. Wood about his book and the process to learn more.
CCNI: When did you begin coaching and what led you to that path?
Dr. Andy Wood: Great question. After 32 years as a pastor and more than 10 years in academia, I found myself in love with life transformation and looking for ways to have a more “front row seat” to helping make that happen. With a wife who is a licensed counselor, I knew that was not God’s calling for me, but I became intrigued with the power and potential of coaching. I had been exploring it for a while when a health crisis in December 2016 made it clear it was time for a change. So in January 2017 I made the pivot and had my first clients in April of that year.
CCNI: You have a book available for pre-order on Amazon. LifeVesting: Cultivate a Life of Abundance, Impact and Freedom. What led you to write this book?
Dr. Andy Wood: It all started with a phone call from my son when he was a freshman in college. “Dad,” he said, “I’m working on a paper for my English class and I want you to help me.” His idea was to take principles of financial investing and apply it to all the areas of our lives – our time, relationships, abilities, energy, etc.
“I’m calling it LifeVesting,” he said.
“Sounds interesting,” I said, and that began a conversation between my son and me, and between the Lord and me. It came at a strategic time in my life because I was feeling pretty spent in terms of my energy and vision. I was also looking for something to help create a transformational life experience for the people in the church I pastored – a 40-day spiritual growth campaign. So after WE got an A on OUR paper, I shamelessly stole Joel’s idea and put together a book and other resources.
That was 13 years ago, and at the time it was a real high point in the lives of the people in our church. But I knew the book would need to be rewritten as it was hastily thrown together. So in 2019 I finally started rewriting the book into its current form.
CCNI: Who did you write this book for and what is the end result you want them to experience?
Dr. Andy Wood: I don’t want people to read my book.
I want them to let my book read them.
What I love about this book is that it meets us where we are and speaks to us about where we can go if we’re willing to explore the possibilities, follow our passion, allocate our resources, and be willing to experience personal growth in the process.
LifeVesting is for Christians who passionately want their lives to count, both in this world and in eternity. They want significance and to make a difference. They’re tired of just going through the motions, or feeling as though life is passing them by. Many are reaching turning points in their lives and aren’t quite sure which way to go. Others have experienced burnout, loss, or deep disappointments and don’t know where to turn. Through the coaching they experience in the book and other resources, these people can cultivate new vision, direction, and passion.
LifeVesting is coaching in a book. Individual readers can benefit by using it as a guide for their own growth journey. It is also a fantastic tool for individual and group coaching. I have taken three different coaching groups through a “test drive,” and the results were very exciting.
CCNI: What surprised you in the writing process?
Dr. Andy Wood: The resistance. Not so much from the outside forces, but the inner challenges of “life happening,” discouragement, and our old friend the Impostor Syndrome.
CCNI: What did you learn through the journey that you would share with others considering writing a book?
Dr. Andy Wood: This may be the first time I ever really thought about the Acknowledgements page in a book. I knew in my head it was something of a team effort, but I have a whole new appreciation for the “village” it takes to bring a published book to market.
I also learned that if you’re willing to be teachable and approachable, there are plenty of people who will help you get your message out there.
Writing a book is a grind and an exercise in extreme vulnerability. But it’s worth it if you’re committed to your message and those who need to receive it.
CCNI: Any more books coming in the future?
Dr. Andy Wood: Yes! I’m working on a book on a biblical approach to Gratitude (it’s not what you think).
Also a book about the 12 tools God gives us to take the broken pieces of our lives together and create wholeness.
Finally, a book called NextWorking about taking massive action in the direction of our most significant dreams and most cherished relationships.
CCNI: Where is the book for sale and when is the release date?
Dr. Andy Wood: The official release date is January 11, 2022 and will be available in stores and online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books a Million.
The electronic edition will be available on October 4, 2021.
HOWEVER, as a special offer to CCNI members I am making the book available pre-publication, along with my coaching notes and PowerPoint slides and a 30-minute phone consultation available for $15.00 plus shipping. This offer is valid through October 31, 2021. Email me at lifevesting@gmail.com and let me know you are interested.
About the Book Life Vesting
LifeVesting empowers readers to create an abundant, impactful future by the choices they make today.
Through thoughtful encouragement, biblical teaching, and carefully placed questions, Andy Wood takes readers on a journey to understand, not his book, but their lives. That includes their dreams for the future, their relationships, their challenges, and their growth opportunities, together with their influence, future, legacy, and eternity. For everyone who yearned to know their life counted and who wanted to make a difference in this world that would last beyond their lifetime, LifeVesting offers hope and a roadmap to take them there. It starts with becoming intentional about what a person wants out of life, then shifting their focus from the immediate to the ages. LifeVesting shows how anyone can live–really live–an abundant life, rich in value, love, and great, great joy.
LifeVesting empowers readers to create an abundant, impactful future by the choices they make today. Through thoughtful encouragement, biblical teaching, and carefully placed questions, Andy Wood takes readers on a journey to understand, not his book, but their lives. That includes their dreams for the future, their relationships, their challenges, and their growth opportunities, together with their influence, future, legacy, and eternity. For everyone who yearned to know their life counted and who wanted to make a difference in this world that would last beyond their lifetime, LifeVesting offers hope and a roadmap to take them there. It starts with becoming intentional about what a person wants out of life, then shifting their focus from the immediate to the ages. LifeVesting shows how anyone can live–really live–an abundant life, rich in value, love, and great, great joy.
